Roberto Martinez's first match in charge set to be Austria pre-season friendly

Blues to play Austrian Bundesliga champions Austria Vienna in July

Roberto Martinez's first match as Everton FC manager is set to be a pre-season friendly in Austria.

Austrian Bundesliga champions Austria Vienna announced a friendly against the Toffess yesterday, to be played on Sunday July, 14 at their Generali Arena in the Austrian capital.

The exact kick-off time is still to be determined with TV coverage possible and the Blues confirmed the fixture last night.

“To have a club like Everton at the Generali Arena, is a great thing,” said Austria Vienna chief executive Thomas Rosner. “The game against Everton is the highlight in our pre-season. We try everything possible to prepare the team for the Champions League qualifying games and July 14 is a highlight for both our players and our fans.”

The Blues then embark on two fixtures closer to home as they have a Lancashire double header going to League Two Accrington Stanley managed by former Goodison striker James Beattie on Wednesday, July 17 (7.45pm) and Championship Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, July 27 (2pm) before jetting out to the USA.

Everton have already announced their participation in The Guinness International Champions Cup in the USA, starting against Juventus on Wednesday, July 31, with Real Madrid or LA Galaxy awaiting the winners. An Everton XI is also pencilled in to face Blue Square Premier side Southport on Saturday, August 3.

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